Roundtable: Join Efforts to Add Innovation to Promotion and Tenure Considerations (Monday, Feb. 21, at 1:45pm)

More than 75 universities and national organizations have approved recommendations recognizing innovation and entrepreneurial achievements among the criteria for higher education faculty promotion and tenure (P&T) decisions. Fuentek’s Danielle McCulloch, Rich Carter of Oregon State University, and Almesha Campbell of Jackson State University will examine the range of initiatives that universities have undertaken to include tech transfer in P&T reviews in the time since the Promotion and Tenure Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PTIE) Coalition approved its recommendations in September 2020. Attendees will learn about trends and best practices in tech transfer P&T efforts and leave with strategies to engage stakeholders. This session is in Marlborough B, Second Floor. 

(left to right) Almesha Campbell of Jackson State University, Fuentek’s Danielle McCulloch, and Rich Carter of Oregon State

Measuring What Matters: Incorporating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Data into TTO Metrics (Monday, Feb. 21, at 4:00pm)

Universities will not have balanced representation until they approach diversity like any other priority—with clear metrics to understand the gaps and targeted interventions to fix them. I’m looking forward to moderating this session, where we’ll explore the practicalities of incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) data into TTO metrics. Forough Ghahramani of Edge will discuss AUTM survey data, and Anne Hall of University of Minnesota will present a deep dive into a UMN analysis.

We’ll cover the challenges of acquiring the data and securing the buy-in of university administrators and offer suggestions for how to get started at your institution. Attendees will gain insights on the latest trends and best practices in gathering and incorporating EDI data and then translating metrics into action. This session is in Royal, Third Floor.

(left to right) Forough Ghahramani of Edge, Anne Hall of University of Minnesota, and Fuentek’s Laura Schoppe

Marketing Technology in the “New Normal” (Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 8:30am)

The dramatic increase in remote work since 2020 has made videoconferencing and other virtual tools ubiquitous, and TTOs should leverage this trend to access new audiences and cost-effective marketing opportunities. Fuentek’s Becky Stoughton and Michigan Technological University’s Jim Baker and Mike Morley will share insights and feedback from a wide variety of tech transfer professionals and industry reps. Attendees will leave with inventive solutions for conducting virtual and hybrid events and tangible tools for broadening the reach of marketing materials. This session is in Parish, Third Floor.

(left to right) Jim Baker of Michigan Technological University, Fuentek’s Becky Stoughton, and MTU’s Mike Morley

Visit Fuentek at Exhibit Hall Booth #600

Be sure to stop by Booth #600 to talk with our tech transfer experts about your TTO’s challenges or learn more about how we can cost-effectively complement your in-house capabilities. Joining me there will be Cathy Innes, Becky Stoughton, and Danielle McCulloch. In addition to a collapsible reusable straw (save the turtles!), we’ll have these helpful handouts:

• An informative tip sheet offering advice about getting started with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and enhancing data integrity in your IP management database
• Our Road to Technology Transfer and Cultivate Your IP infographics

The booth is open the same hours as the Exhibit Hall (Sunday, Feb. 20, at 6:00pm through Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:00pm). You can schedule time with any of us through AUTM Connect, or contact us ahead of time if you have a preferred time slot, or stop by any time the Exhibit Hall is open. For more about Fuentek, visit our website, download our brochure, or watch this short video. 

We’re looking forward to talking with you (and noshing on tasty beignets and king cakes!). Safe travels!

The Connect and Collaborate event is particularly valuable for universities. Industry representatives will give 5-minute presentations on the technologies they are seeking. This event is Monday, Feb. 21, at 1:45pm in the Jefferson Ballroom, 3rd Floor. If you have an innovation they need, they’ll want to talk with you during the reception, which is later that afternoon at 5:30pm in the Grand Salon, 1st Floor.

Other excellent sessions to add to your agenda (in addition to ours, of course) are:

• Fireside Chat on Sunday at 5:30pm in the Grand Ballroom, 1st Floor. This is always a conversation with an influencer who reveals good insights or opportunities.
• Opening Plenary on Monday at 8:00am in the Grand Salon, 1st Floor. In addition to hearing from an always motivational and inspiring speaker, this is an opportunity to see the AUTM leadership and learn what’s next for the organization.
• Last year, equity diversity and inclusion (EDI) was a prominent topic, and this year that conversation continues, especially since it is now one of AUTM’s strategic goals. You can find the list of EDI sessions here. We’re leading one of these EDI sessions, and you can see the rest of our sessions below.

Use AUTM Connect

The AUTM Connect tool lets you create a personal schedule that includes conference sessions and other events as well as schedule one-on-one and small-group meetings that you can book through the tool. Download the app to your mobile devices to set up a profile, access the program, find other attendees, send and receive messages, schedule your own meetings, and more. According to AUTM, attendees to the 2019 annual meeting scheduled nearly 9,000 meeting requests through AUTM Connect! Here are AUTM’s tips for using this tool, and if you still have questions, stop by the AUTM Connect Help Desk, located in Chemin Royal, 1st Floor.

Prepare to Network

This meeting offers lots of chances to network, so advance planning will be particularly helpful. Consider these tips:

• Use AUTM Connect to find and schedule meetings with organizations and individuals that align with what you have to offer.
• Think ahead about the information that will be the most important to the people you’ll speak with. For example, what are the relevant aspects of your technology portfolio or research capabilities?
• Plan how you will introduce yourself and your organization.
• Practice your pitch to keep the conversation concise and interesting.
• Bring business cards just in case. We may be transitioning away from handing items, but not everyone is ready to go 100% electronic (I still like writing notes on the back of someone’s card to remember their key ideas.)

Review the Exhibitor List

Review the exhibitor list before you arrive and identify those you have particular interest in so you can make the best use of your time in the Exhibit Hall. Prioritize your list to focus on the ones who are the best match for your technology needs and/or portfolio, but don’t be shy about just wandering through and collecting giveaways, too. Remember to visit Fuentek in Booth #600!

Take Advantage of Recordings

For a year after the meeting, you’ll have access to recordings of every session, including the ones you couldn’t attend, so don’t worry about trying to be in two places at once.

Have Fun!

The AUTM annual meeting is an opportunity to spend time with and learn from like-minded tech transfer nerds for a few days. Enjoy it! AUTM has put together this excellent guide to New Orleans. The meeting occurs the week before Mardi Gras, and there are parades you can attend during the time of the meeting.

See you in New Orleans!